How to Become a Security Guard in Georgia

If you’re interested in becoming a security guard in Georgia, you came to the right place!

We’ll tell you the requirements to meet, the documents you need, and even the salary you could earn!

Security Guard Job Description and Requirements

As an armed security guard in Georgia, you’ll be overseen by the state’s Board of Private Detectives and Security Agencies.

This means passing a criminal background check and registering with the Board.

If you don’t want to register with the Board, you can choose to become an unarmed guard.

Regardless of your armed status, you’ll need to enroll in a training program before becoming a security agent.

Your job’s duties include:

• Patrolling a designated area
• Keep an eye on TV cameras and alarms
• Write reports about what you found during your checkups
• Collaborating with law enforcement
• Reporting any suspicious incidents
• Ensuring the laws are respected on your employer’s property

When applying for a job in this field, you’ll need to:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have good communication skills
• Ability to decide fast
• Be able to work alone but also in a team
• Provide proof identity
• Pass the background check based on your fingerprints
• Pass a drug test

Training Requirements for Unarmed Guards

The training of an unarmed security guard in Georgia is at least 24 hours long.

Individuals need to learn about:

• The private security role
• Legal aspects
• Observation and patrol
• Security resources
• Incident response
• First aid overview
• Customer service

The instructor must have a license issued by the state, and with supervisory or law enforcement experience.

Armed Guards Training

Future guards that will be armed as well, need to undergo the mandatory training of 24 hours as well as extra 15 hours.

The extra hours will be with an instructor licensed by the Board and will cover the handling of a handgun.

This training must cover:

• Liability issues
• Use of deadly force
• Types of handgun
• Ballistics
• Range training

At the end of this training, you’ll need to score at least 80% on a written test as well on a range exam.

Not all armed guards will use the same type of firearm, as some might need to carry a shotgun or a concealed weapon.

This requires a special application from the employer with:

• Job Description
• The motivation for the special weapon

Armed Guard Requirements and Application Process

The registration of an armed security guard is tied to the agency they work for.

This means that if you want to switch agencies, you’ll need to register again if you want to be armed.

You’ll fill out most of the paperwork, but the agency will send the documents.

Before you apply, make sure you meet the requirements by collecting the appropriate papers.

These include:

• 5 years of employment history
• 5 years of address history
• A copy of the training certificate
• A notarized statement from the employer confirming the training
• The registration fee – $70

There are a few other forms that need to be included in the application package.

All the forms you’ll need can be found on the website of the Board.

Individuals who have a criminal or disciplinary history will need to also include the orders they received either from the agency or the courthouse.

You can check the status of your application online.

Criminal Background Check Process

In Georgia, future security agents need to have their fingerprints collected through Cogent, the approved vendor.

There are a number of locations where fingerprints can be collected electronically and the registration can be done online.

For those who cannot visit those locations, pre-registration is needed, and then send the cards with their fingerprints to Cogent.

Operating a Security Business

You’ll need a license from the Board if you want to run a security business.

You can qualify in one of the following ways:

• 4 years of experience in law enforcement
• 2 years of managerial or supervisory experience in the security industry
• A baccalaureate degree in criminal justice or another acceptable related field

You might need a notarized letter from your employer.

If the degree is not in criminal justice, the course work will be taken into consideration.

If you qualify, you’ll need:

• Submit a license application
• To pay the exam fee – $125
• To pass the exam administered by PSI
• A surety bond
• The liability insurance policy
• Pay the license fee -$500
• Pay the application fee – $100
• Pass the criminal background check

The bond and insurance are required after the exam.

If you don’t have the insurance, you need to prove you have a net worth of at least $50,000.

A partnership, corporation, or other association, can also receive a license for a security business.

In this case, the business needs an officer who meets the requirements and the designee is the one who will apply.

Salary Information

Your salary will depend on your experience mostly.

Your location and armed status may affect how much you earn.

Regional Salary in Georgia

Additional Information

The Board has further information that sheds light on licenses and exemptions.

The Investigative & Security Professional Association of Georgia Inc. is another place where these professionals can find useful information and help.

Security Guard License by State